Chemical peeling--glycolic acid versus trichloroacetic acid in melasma.

Melasma continues to be a therapeutic challenge. 100 patients of melasma not responding to conventional depigmenting agents were divided into 2 groups, one treated with 55-75% glycolic acid (68 patients) and the other with 10-15% trichloroacetic acid (32 patients). Applications were made after every 15 days and response assessed clinically along with relapse or hyperpigmentation after 3 month follow up period. More than 75% improvement was seen in 30%, and 50-75% improvement in 24% patients. Response with TCA was more rapid as compared to GA. Chronic pigmentation responded more favourably to TCA. Relapse and hyperpigmentation was more-25% in TCA as compared to 5.9% GA. Sun exposure was the most important precipitating factor followed by pregnancy and drugs.

Vegetable and fruit contact dermatitis among housewives-study of 25 cases.

Almost all women have to handle vegetables and fruits, so vegetable and fruit contact dermatitis in females has surfaced as a dermatological problem. This study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the contact sensitization pattern of various vegetables and fruits in housewives in north-west Rajasthan. Thirty-eight commonly used vegetables and fruits extracted/crushed allergen's patch tests were applied as such over back of 25 women having eczema of thumhs, index and middle fingers, 1st and 2nd web spaces, palmar and dorsal aspect of hands. Patch tests were read after 48 and 72 hours and graded as ICDRG. Out of them we obtained positive results in 20(80%), with single allergen positivity in 6 (24%) an11 multiple allergen positivity in 14 (56%).

Cutaneous loxoscelism.

A case of spider bitea presenting as cutaneous loxoscelism is reported. The clinical features and management of spider bite are highlighted and the relevant literature has been reviewed.

A clinico-aetiological profile of 375 cases of lichen planus.

The study of clinical, histopathological and aetiological pattern, of lichen planus (LP) in 375 patients was done in this part of Western Rajasthan. The incidence of LP was 0.8%. 58.7% cases were male and maximum number of cases (46.93%) were in age group of 20-39 years. In 70.66% of patients only skin was involved while in 10.18% of cases only mucous membrane was involved. In 61.6% patients the lower extremities were involved. Familial LP was seen in 8 families. Association of LP was found with hypertension (2.4%), polymorphic light eruption (2.1%), vitiligo (1.9%) and diabetes mellitus (1.6%). 48.5% of cases showed lymphocytosis with raised ESR. Actinic LP was seen in 14.1% of cases. 13.1% of patients showed combination of typical LP or its variants to which term lichen planus variata was given.